Hello all !
Over the last several years I have enjoyed looking up information about a host of topics on Wikipedia, and I've got to say that it seems like, amongst teachers and some others, Wikipedia gets a bad rep for reliability. I don't think the reputation is deserved, at least not completely. There are many Wikipedia pages that are insufficiently cited and referenced, to be sure, but there are also many pages with strong citations and referencing that backs up those pages' material.
So, my series of questions is this: Do you see Wikipedia pages as a reputable source of material? If so, does this depend on the citations and/or sources used? If not, why not? Also, whether or not you see Wikipedia pages as reputable, would you ever allow students to use Wikipedia as a source of research material, with certain conditions attached? Why or why not? If you would allow its use, with what conditions would you allow it? (My thought is that it could help teach students about primary and secondary sources and reliability, especially in the area of social studies.)
Let me know what you think.
Well, you have about 20 different questions here so I'll just go with my general thought on wikipedia. They can use it if they can back it up with other sources. I use wikipedia often so how could I say no?
ReplyDeleteI will definitely let my students access Wikipedia for general information but I don't think I will let them use it for research papers, or on any assignments or projects that require citation. I like Wikipedia, and use it often, but it just isn't verifiable enough to be used as an official academic resource.
ReplyDeleteWikipedia has a terminal flaw. Anyone with any intent can update it. I can go on Wikipedia and add false information regardless of motivation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with teaching students how to look for primary sources, using Wikipedia as a gateway.
The professors I had during my undergrad would not allow us to use Wikipedia as a source. As Bevan said, anyone can update the information of Wikipedia so it is very hard to determine the source. I don't feel comfortable using it as a source. Although, it could be used as a jumping off point to get ideas flowing.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on the circumstances - the grade level and assignment for example. For college I think it doesn't work. For 9th grade - sure - as long as it's not the only source. For an in-class discussion - sure.
ReplyDelete